PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WIAT) –UPDATE: WIAT has learned that the grave of Private William David Cobb has been resealed.

Repaired grave of Private William David Cobb. Courtesy Mila Elkins

Allen Bowser with VWF Post 5228 says they commissioned to have ground resealed and that a marble slap is being ordered to place over the ground.

Bowser tells WIAT42 that the hole was not a result of vandalism but a collapse of soil over the casket due to poor drainage at the cemetery.

The VFW is coordinating with Phenix City to come up with a plan to improve drainage there. Pine Grove II Pumpkin Bottom Cemetery is one of several cemeteries that is cared for by the city.

ORIGINAL: The grave of an East Alabama Marine has been vandalized. The damage was discovered by a family visiting a cemetery in Phenix City on Memorial Day. They noticed the grave had been uncovered and the casket opened.

The grave belongs to Private William David Cobb. At this time we’re not sure what if anything was taken from inside the casket. But as of Friday the grave remained open.

On Sunday, we at WIAT 42 reached out to the Phenix City VFW and American Legion chapters. The groups tell us this is the first they have heard of the grave desecration. They are looking into the matter and will try to locate Private Cobb’s family.